Makgeolli "Jump from 5th to 2nd"... What about 'Hulk' DeChambeau?

Wells Fargo Championship Day 3: Mitchell Leads by 2 Shots at 3 Under Par, DeChambeau Tied for 23rd

Rory McIlroy is teeing off on the 8th hole on the third day of the Wells Fargo Championship. Charlotte, North Carolina, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Tied 5th → Tied 2nd."

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) closed in to within two strokes of the leader. On the 9th (Korean time) at Quail Hollow Golf Club (par 71, 7,551 yards) in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, during the third day of the PGA Tour Wells Fargo Championship (total prize money $8.1 million), he added five birdies and one double bogey for a 3-under-par round, bringing his 3-round total to 7-under-par 206. Keith Mitchell took the lead at 9-under-par 204, and Gary Woodland (both USA) joined McIlroy in a tie for 2nd place.

McIlroy energized the crowd with back-to-back birdies on holes 3-4 and 7-8. It was unfortunate that his tee shot on the 12th hole (par 4) landed in the rough, resulting in a double bogey. He regained one stroke with a birdie on the 15th hole (par 5). His long drives reached up to 362 yards, and his green in regulation rate was an impressive 77.78%, showcasing his pinpoint iron shots. In the crucial final stretch, holes 16-18, known as the 'Green Mile,' he held steady with pars. This is a golden opportunity for his first victory in one and a half years since the 2019 World Golf Championships (WGC) HSBC Champions in November.

This tournament is especially a 'promised land' for him, having won the trophy twice before in 2010 and 2015. The 2015 victory was notable for a course record 11-under-par in the third round and a tournament record low score of 21-under-par 267. McIlroy also likes the course enough to hold a membership. He said, "My iron shots were sharp for the first time in a while yesterday and today," adding, "Quail Hollow feels comfortable, so I can play confident shots," showing his fighting spirit.

Mitchell is the 2019 Honda Classic champion and is aiming for his second career win. 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) drew attention after returning to his home in Dallas, Texas, following an expected cut-off after the second round. He surged on Moving Day with a 3-under-par round, jumping to a tie for 23rd place at 1-under-par 212. From Korea, Lee Kyung-hoon (30, CJ Logistics) is tied for 38th at even par 213, and 'Tank' Choi Kyung-ju (51, SK Telecom) is tied for 63rd at 4-over-par 217.

Bryson DeChambeau is reading the putting line on the 11th hole during the third day of the Wells Fargo Championship. Charlotte, North Carolina, USA = Photo by Getty Images / Multibits